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Barcelona hikes cruise tax to €30, threatens tourism competitiveness

7/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Barcelona deputy mayor Jordi Valls announced on July 15 that the cruise tax will rise to €30 per short-stay passenger.
The rise adds a €24 municipal surcharge to the unchanged €6 regional levy, lifting the total from €11 to €30.
Homeport and final-destination passengers, who make up 58% of 2025 traffic, are exempt.
WTTC President Gloria Guevara warned the tax could cut competitiveness, visitor spending and jobs.

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Story summary

Barcelona deputy mayor Jordi Valls announced on July 15 that the cruise tax will rise to €30 per short-stay passenger.
The rise adds a €24 municipal surcharge to the unchanged €6 regional levy, lifting the total from €11 to €30.
Homeport and final-destination passengers, who make up 58% of 2025 traffic, are exempt.
WTTC President Gloria Guevara warned the tax could cut competitiveness, visitor spending and jobs.